Our Values

A Resiliency-Oriented, Trauma-Informed Agency

We believe all children and families have unique strengths, abilities, and talents. DFYF’s licensed clinicians, prevention specialists and after-school workers have been trained in the Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competency (ARC) model of Trauma-Informed and Resiliency-Oriented Care. This cutting edge brain science connects mental health with physical health.

DFYF has been on the forefront of trauma-informed care. We were one of 12 agencies in the nation that piloted the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) trauma assessment tool. Our CEO was invited to the White House to present the findings of the ACE trauma assessment tool and the implications and impact trauma has on one’s life-expectancy.

Our History

Directions for Youth & Families has roots dating back to 1899, when Associated Charities was established. Through many years, many name changes, and several mergers, they became Crittenton Family Services in 1992, offering counseling and other intervention and education services to families and children.

In 1968, Juvenile Probation Council and Friends In Action were formed. These two additional service organizations would become the basis of DFYF’s Prevention services (with counseling & clinical services available as well). They merged in 1983 to form Directions For Youth.

By merging Crittenton Family Services and Directions For Youth in 1999 a new, highly effective organization was created providing innovative, culturally sensitive and effective counseling and programming to the Franklin County community.

Our Future

DFYF believes communities can heal themselves. Direction for Youth & Families completed a feasibility study with positive results for a capital campaign allowing us to expand our Crittenton Youth Center into The Crittenton Community Center on the Eastside of Columbus. DFYF, through our journey and leadership in treating trauma and our success with after-school programs, plans to combine our expertise and draw from the innovative work and research of Trauma Informed Community Building (TICB).

In addition to providing programming that has made our Ohio Avenue Youth Center so effective in working with at-risk youth, we plan to implement components to promote community development. The Crittenton Community Center will provide a place where community members may gather and open a dialogue with one another, build a supportive community and meet in collaboration with community providers of services – all in support our goal of transforming this community.

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NOTE: If this is a mental health emergency, you may contact the crisis numbers here or proceed to your nearest Emergency Room